Production of inert gas



July 1, 1941. w. .1. WILLENBORG PRODUCTION OF INERT GAS Original Filed May 4, 1956 11 5/74 7" J. WH/Fnbm" g g IHIHIIHH M r m U 7 1 I w |l|lf m 4V. w w W ll 3 M pmwsurp smith Patented July 1, 1941 UNITED STATES PATENT OFFlCE i rnonuorron or man-r GAS Walter J. Willenborg, Weehawken, N. L, assignor to Charles L. Coughlin, Milwaukee, Wis.

Continuation of application Serial No. 77,742, May 4, 1936. This application January 5, 1940,

Serial No. 312,509

6 Claims.

This application is a continuation of the copending application of Walter J. Willenborg,

Serial No. 77,742, filed May 4,1936, for Removal of nitrogen oxides in inert gas producers.

The invention presented herein relates to gas producers and refers more particularly to improvements in the method of and the apparatus for producing inert gasfrom gaseouscombustion products.

In present day practice, inert gas is produced in a number of difierent manners, the most successful of which are probably those methods which utilize the combustion gases from chain;-

bers fired by oil, manufactured, natural or,

liquefied petroleum gases, gasolene orcoke, or stack gases and exhaust gases derived from internal combustion engines.

The deterioration of equipment handling inert gases obtained from all of these sources and especially from exhaust gases of internal combustion engines, however, makes these sources of inert gas objectionable due to the presence of nitrogen oxides in the gases.

The higher nitrogen oxides particularly exerelse a deleterious effect on .the metal of handling equipment or storage vessels; but inasmuchas the proportion of these harmful nitrogen oxides in the exhaust gases represents only a very minute proportion of the exhaust or comlbustion gases, they have not been identified in .the past as the cause of trouble.

Inasmuch as conventional inert gas producers employ cleaners for purifying the combustion gases, it was apparently presumed that any harmful nitrogen oxides-contained in the gases would be removed during cleaning. This is only partly true, however; for while the higher nitrogen oxides, and particularly nitrogen peroxide, are readily soluble in water and may be removed from exhaust gases by a scrubbing operation,

quantities of lower nitrogen oxides. also were A further object of this invention is the provision of means in an apparatus of the character described for compressing the combustion gases flowing through the apparatus to effect .quick oxidation of the water 'insoluble'nitrogen oxides'contained therein so as to form readily removable water soluble nitrogen peroxides.

With the above and other objects in view, which will appear as the description proceeds,

this invention resides in the novel construction,

combination and arrangement; of parts substantially as hereinafter described and more particularly defined by the appended claims, it being understood that such changes in the precise embodiment of the hereindisclosed invention may be made as come within the scope of the claims.

present and could not be removed by scrubbing,

as they are insoluble in water.

Consequently, the failure of present day inert gas producing apparatus to remove the water insoluble nitrogen oxides from combustion gases results in the production of an inert gas which is objectionablej for when allowed to stand for periods of time, the nitrogen oxidesin the inert gas combine with traces of oxygen normally present to form the undesirable nitrogen peroxide, which is destructive when it combines with moisture and is converted into nitrous or nitric acid.

lt is, therefore, an object of the present inven- The accompanying drawing illustrates one complete example of the physical embodiment, of the invention constructed in accordance with the best mode so far devised for the practical application of the principles thereof, and in which K the single figure diagrammatically illustrates an apparatus for producing inert gas with this invention.

Referringnow particularly to the accompanying drawing, in which like numerals indicate like parts, the numeral 5 designates an internal combustion engine for producing combustion gases suitable for inert use. It is to be understood, however, that the use of an internal combustion in accordance,

engine is merely illustrative, as combustion gases from other sources have been found satisfactory for inert use.

However, since the exhaust'gases of four cycle internal combustion engines contain more nitrogen oxides than most other gaseous combustion products, the following description will be directed to the process used in connection with gases produced from such a source, as it will be obvious that the method is applicable to the treatment of combustion gases from other 1 sources.

- to be hereinafter described. The combustion gases issuing from the engine 5 are conveyed to a preliminary scrubber I by means of a pipe line 8 where the gases are washed with water to remove all solid particles and. any other undesirable products of combustion which are soluble in water.

For this purpose, the scrubber is supplied with water from a source 9 through a pipe I which enters the scrubber near its upper end and has a nozzle ll arrangedrto spray water downwardly thereinto.

After the scrubbing operation, the gases are conveyed to a compressor l2, driven by the engine by a pipeline IS. A constant pressure valve I4 in the pipe line 1-3 maintains a predetermined constant pressure on the gases in the scrubber and precludes engine load fluctuations caused by vacuum produced by the compressor which has a capacity largely exceeding the volume of the exhaust gases delivered by the engine. I

Connected with the outlet of the compressor i2 is a high pressure system indicated generally by the numeral and into which the compressor presses the exhaust gases for treatment. The high pressure system comprises a high pressure scrubber [6 connected with the outlet of the compressor by a conduit l1 and a pair of activated carbon filters l8 interposed between the high pressure scrubber and the delivery conduit l9 through which gas is delivered from the system to storage means 20 or to distribution as required.

The pressure in the high pressure system is maintained continually at a predetermined high degree by means of a constant pressure valve 2| positioned in the delivery conduit l9 between the activated carbon filters l8 and the storage means .20. The setting of the valve 2| is such that it delivers gases from the high pressure system to the storage means at and above a predetermined pressure which is suitable for treating the exhaust gases.

To compensate for the inability of the engine 5 to produce exhaust gases at a rate at which it can be handled by the compressor, a quantity of treated gas, after being passed through the carbon filters I8, is re-introduced into the compressor.

This is accomplished by means of a pipe 22 which connects with the pipe 13 leading to the compressor and which contains a constant pressure valve 23 therein operable to be opened by the action of the compressor; Thus a constant pressure is provided at the compressor intake.

I Thisfeature, however, is described in detail in Patent No. 2,142,545 issued to Walter J. Willenborg January 3, 1939, and entitled Pressure actuated control means. in systems for generation of inert gases."

As stated, the compressor forces the exhaust gases from the engine into the high. pressure system through the conduit l1, and it is in this portion or the high pressuresystem that the nitrogen oxides contained in small amounts in the gases are oxidized by the free oxygen remaining in the gases to effect conversion 0! the. water insoluble mgigogen oxides to water soluble nitrogen per- 0 es.

Normally, oxidation of nitrogen oxides NO, to

form nitrogen peroxides N02, is a slow process even when a substantially large amount of oxygen is available; and such oxidation remains slow at all conditions prevailing according to present day standards of inert gas manufacturing. Research discloses, however, that the time required for reaction between the highly difiused nitrogen oxide and oxygen is rapidly decreased as the pressure on the gases increases; the time of reaction being roughly inversely proportional to the cube of the pressure of the gas. v

For example, the N0 contained, in exhaust gas will be fully converted into higher oxides when pressures ranging from pounds per square inch to considerably over 300 pounds per square inch.

It is understood that compressors have been commonly used in past producers of this type: but their function was to provide a load for the engine with which they were coupled so as to produce a higher quality inert gas, and not for the purpose of speeding oxidation of NO by subjecting the exhaust gases to a high pressure.

Inasmuch as the gases flowing through the conduit I! must be maintained under said substantially high pressure for a period of time necessary for all NO contained in the gases to be convert-d into N02; and as the gases flow through the conduit. at a substantial velocity due to the pressure, the conduit is provided with a cooler v at one portion thereof.-

The cooler comprises a water jacket23 through which water from the source 9, which connects with the pipe I0, is circulated! Thus, the gases flowing through thatportion of the conduit which is cooled by the water iacketare correspondingly be met by a spray of water issuing from a nozzle 24 fixed to the discharge end of a. pipe line 25, 7

connected with the water supply pipe 9.

. .If desired, a pump 28 may be connected in the pipe line-25 to supply pressure for the water flowing therethrough, and as will be apparent, the impact between the gases entering the scrubber under the high pressure to which they are subiected by the compressor and the, water spray, effects a washing out of the gases of all the now soluble higher nitrogen oxides contained therein. The water from the scrubber is drained therefrom by way of a high pressure trap 28 connected with the bottom of the scrubber.

Thegases thus purified and tree of all harmful nitrogen oxides are discharged from the high pressure scrubber into either of the activated carbon filters it through a pipe line 30.

The activated carbon filtersare useful for rehmoving any traces or NO not eliminated by the time for oxidation of NO therein which is then absorbed by the moisture of the activated carbon. The filters also eliminate undesirable odors in the treated inert gas.

operating with the valve 3| is another valve 32 which controls the discharge of gas passing through the filters. connects either one or the other of the filters in the system.

It is to be noted that the constant pressure valve 2| in the discharge conduit it of the system maintains the desiredhigh pressure throughout the entire high pressure system and releases gases at a pressure at or above a predetermined amount which, as stated hereinbefore, may have a range varying from 180 pounds per square inch to well over 300 pounds per square inch. The treated gases thus passed from the high pressure system by the constant pressure valve 2| are received in the storage means 20.

It is a well known fact thatexhaust ases from internal combustion engines have a higher quality for inert use when the engine which produces the gases has warmedup to its normal thus relieves the pressure in the high pressure system between the compressor and the valve 2| for the duration of said starting conditions,.and is operable to connect the high pressure system 'with storage means in the manner hereinafter described.

The valve 34 is automatically operated by a Operation of both valves.

scrubbers is shut of! immediately upon stopping of the engine.

To facilitate quickly warming up the engine,

the water supply pipe 46 leading to the cooling system thereof from the source 3 is provided with a valve 41 automatically operated by a solenoid 43. The solenoid 48 is controlled by an electric circuit 43 which contains in series there-' with another thermostatic switch 50 in the water discharge pipe,40.

During starting conditions of the engine, therefore, the thermostatic switch 50 remains open and, the circuit to the solenoid 43 is not completed to actuate the valve 41 controlling the supply of cooling water to the compressor and the engine until the temperature of the engine reaches a predetermined degree at which it is suitably warmed up. Closure of the thermostatic'switch 50 at this time effects opening of the valve 41 by itssolenoid to connect the engine and the compressor with the water supply.

If desired, a qualitative analysis of the exhaust gas issuing from the engine may be made in flowing through the pipe 3 to an analysis board '53, which is connected with the current supply for thermal conductivity measurements of exhaust gases.

According to the quality of the exhaust gases the ' thus testedfor inert use, the analysis board 53 through a conduit 55. or to storage or distribu automatically controls a two-way valve 54 in the delivery conduit l9 between the storage means 20 and the constant pressure valve 2| so as to deliver treated gases either to the atmosphere tion to the storage means 20.

This feature, however, is fully. shown in the Walter J. Willenborg Patents Nos. 1,952,005, is-

I sued March 20, 1934, and entitled Controls for produ'cers'of inert gases"; and 2,093,379, issued s September 14, 1937, and entitled Methods of producing combustion inhibiting gas, and forms solenoid 36 controlled by an electric circuit 31 which contains in series with the solenoid a thermostatic switch 38 'and a fluid pressure switch 39. The fluid pressure switch 39 is positioned inthe oil feed line of the engine Sand is closed whenever the engine is in operation and fuel is being fed to the engine. The thermostatic switch 38 is controlled by the temperature of the water issuing from the engine and compressor cooling system through the discharge pipe 40.

During starting conditions. therefore, the twoway valve 34 operates to discharge gases flowing through the system to the atmosphere, inasmuch as the thermostatic switch 38 will not 1 close to complete the circuit until the temperature of the water issuing from the engine cooling systemreaches a predetermined degree.

When the engine is sufiiciently warmed up, the thermostatic switch 38 closes and completes the circuit from the current supply 4| to the solenoid 36 through the closed fluid pressure switch 39, thus operating the valve 34 to maintain the gases in the system.

The supply 'of .water to the scrubbers I and I6 is also controlled by a valve 42 automatically operated by a solenoid 43 connected in series,

with the fluid pressure switch 39 by a circuit 44. In this manner, the water supply to the engine is delivered to the compressor 2 after being subjected to the scrubbing treatment in the scrubber I, and is compressed to a pressure.

ranging from between 180 pounds per square inch to upwards of 300 pounds per square inch, the exact pressure being determined by the setting.

of the constant pressure valve 2| in the discharge conduit of the system.

During starting conditions, the load on the compressor is released inasmuch as the two-way valve 34 remains open until the engine is warmed up sufliciently to close the thermostatic switch 33.

The water supply to the engine and compressor cooling system is also closed during this period of warming up inasmuch as the thermostatic switch 50 also remains open during starting conditions of the engine.

The water supply to both scrubbers, however,

is maintained open as long as the engine is running as the valve 42 controlling the supply of water to the scrubbers and the cooler 23 is actuated upon closure of the fluid pressure switch 34 and the conduit 35. Operation of the valve 34, however, in responseto the closure of the thermostatic switch 38 effects the discharge .of the gas from the high pressure system into the storage means 20.

Inasmuch as the pressure in the entire system I5 is maintained at a uniform 'high degree in excess of 180 pounds per square inch by'the compressor and the constant pressure valve 2|, the

nitrogen oxide contained in the exhaust gas quickly oxidized during its passage through the conduit l1 leading from the'compr'essor to the high pressure scrubber IS.

The cooling to which the gases are subjected during their travel through the conduit I! de-- creases their velocity and insures sufllcient time for full oxidation of all NO in the gases before they reach the high pressure scrubber for elimination by the water treatment.

a After the gases are purified by the high pressure scrubber, they enter either one or the other of the activated carbon filters [8. Under certain conditions, where extremely high pressures are used, any additional nitrogen oxide contained in the gases not removed by the high pressure scrubber is removed in either of the filters, which are of a size to afford additional time for reaction of NO to NO}. The moisture of the activated cartion is possible in any portion thereof.

The purified gases substantially completely free of nitrogen oxides are then discharged to the storage means for distribution as desired.

In instances where fresh water is scarce, a

bubble type soda wash scrubber may be effectively used in place of the fresh water spray type high pressure scrubber with equally good results. The soda solution in the scrubber is good for a specific period of time only, and. consequently must be changed periodically so as to efficiently remove the higher nitrogen oxides in the gases.

. almost completely eliminated. However, the inert gas produced is satisfactory when it contains not more than three thousandths per cent (.003%) of nitrogen oxides and'thus the nitrogen contents of the gas are substantially limited to free nitrogen.

Inert gas produced in accordance with this invention would, therefore, have an analysis where N: and 002 would be the primary constituents I in quantities substantiallyproportional to their.

. relative amounts in the original product of combustion; where 02 and 00 together may come to one and one-half per cent (l though being.

restricted by the apparatus shown to below one percent (1%) and where nitrogen compounds may be substantially completelyeliminated or sure. 2. The method of producing a noncorrosive not allowed to exceed three thousandths per cent From the foregoing description taken in connection with the accompanying drawing, itwill be apparent that this invention provides a particularly useful apparatus and method for the continuous removal of nitrogen oxides from combustion gases derived from any source. 'The resulting gases produced by this method arparticularly useful as inert protective gases due to their noncorrosiveness. T

What I claim as my invention is: v v H 1. The method of producing a noncorrosive inert gas containing a major proportion of nitrogen from combustion gases containing traces of oxygen and nitrogen oxide which comprises, the

successive steps of quickly oxidizing the nitrogen oxide content of the combustion gases by sub- J'ecting the same to'high pressure of not less. than one hundred and eighty pounds per square inch gauge for a period suiflcient to oxidize the nitrogen oxide to nitrogenperoxide, washing the combustion gases to remove therefrom the nitrogen peroxide formed as'a result of the oxidation step, and storing theresulting inert inert gas containing a majorproportion of nitrogen which comprises: subjecting combustion gases containing substantially equal amounts of oxygen and nitrogen oxide to high pressure of not less than one hundred and eighty pounds persquare inch gauge fora period sufflcient so tha't the oxygen quickly unites with the nitrogen oxide of the combustion gases to produce water soluble nitrogen peroxide; washing the compressed gases to remove the water soluble nitrogen peroxide therefrorn; and storing the resulting gas under one hundred and eighty pounds per square inch 1' gauge to thereby quickly efi'ect a union between the oxygen and nitrogen oxide converting the same into nitrogen peroxide; washing said combustion gases containing nitrogen peroxide to remove the same from the combustion gases; and

, storing the resulting inert gas under pressure.

4. The method of producing a noncorrosive inert gas containing a major proportion of nitrogent which comprises: compressi combustion gases issuing from an internal combustion engine and having traces of oxygen and nitrogen oxide in substantially like amounts to a pressure in excess of that atwhich the gases issue from the internal combustion engine and not less'than one hundred and eighty pounds per square inch gauge to thereby quickly efiect a union between eliminate odors therefrom and to remove any traces of nitrogen peroxide not eliminated by washing; and storing the resulting inert gas under pressure.

5. The method of producing a noncorrosive gas under presinert gas containing a major proportion of nitrogen which comprises: regulating the combustion of an inert gas producer so that the combustion gases issuing therefrom contain oxygen in quantities substantially equal to the small amount of nitrogen oxide normally contained in the gases; subjecting the combustion gases to pressure in excess of that at which the gases issue from the producer and not less than one hundred and eighty pounds per square inch gauge to eflect rapid oxidation of the nitrogen oxide by the oxygen contained in the gas to substantially eliminate free oxygen and nitrogen oxide from the combustion gas to thereby i'orm water soluble nitrogen peroxide as a result of such oxidation; washing the combustion gases containing the nitrogen peroxide to remove the nitrogen peroxide i'rom the combustion gas; and storing the resultant inert gas under pressure.

6. The method of treating combustion gases continuously flowing from an inert gas producer which comprises: regulating the producer so that the combustion gases issuing therefrom contain amounts of oxygen substantially equal to the small amounts oi nitrogen oxide normally present in the combustion gases; subjecting said combustion gases flowing from the producer to pressure in excess of that at which it issues from the producer and not less than one hundred and eighty pounds per square inch gauge to quickly form nitrogen peroxide compounds as a result of the combining of the oxygen and nitrogen oxide content of the combustion gas; cooling said combustion gases during said pressure treatment to retard the rate of flow thereof so as to insure suflicient time for the chemical union of substantially all the oxygenwith the nitrogen oxide in the combustion gas: removing the nitrogen peroxide formed as a result of the compression and cooling steps by washing the gases, the resuiting inert gas containing a major proportion of nitrogen; and storing the resulting inert gas under pressure.

WALTER J. WILLENBORG. 

